Picking the Best Potential Chelsea Lineup to Face Stoke City on Saturday

?Chelsea host Stoke City for their final game of 2017, as they look to keep up the pressure on Manchester United, with the west Londoners remaining one point behind Jose Mourinho’s side in second.

Stoke travel to Stamford Bridge in 13th place, just three points above the relegation zone, with Mark Hughes under severe pressure with the Potters’ underwhelming start to the season.

Here’s the team Antonio Conte could pick for the visit of Stoke.

Goalkeeper

Courtois13

?Thibaut Courtois will undoubtedly keep his place in goal, barring last minute injury problems.

Defence

Azpilicueta28

Cahill24

Rüdiger2

?With Andreas Christensen missing the Boxing Day game due to illness, Antonio Conte is unlikely to risk him ahead of Chelsea’s meeting with Arsenal next week. David Luiz is continuing his recovery from a knee injury and will not be available for Saturday’s match.

The back three which started the 2-0 win over Brighton could continue, with Spaniard Cesar Azpilicueta, captain Gary Cahill and Antonio Rudiger remaining at the heart of the defence.

Midfield

Moses15

Kanté7

Fábregas4

Alonso3

?The midfield almost picks itself, with N’Golo Kante and Cesc Fabregas remaining the manager’s preferred pairing in central midfield, keeping Tiemoue Bakayoko on the bench for the time being.

Victor Moses continues his return from injury at right wing-back, and ever-present Marcos Alonso will be available again on the left side.

The Spaniard, fresh off his goal in the last match against Brighton, will be looking to continue his sterling form, with five goals already this season.

Forwards

Pedro11

Morata9

Hazard10

?Antonio Conte has proved time and time again that he is unable to trust Michy Batshuayi to start up front, preferring to field wingers in the absence of Alvaro Morata.

Therefore, with the Spaniard fit and revitalised with his 10th league goal of the season against Brighton, he will continue at centre-forward; while the mercurial Eden Hazard will play in his usual free role on the left hand side. Pedro should return on the right wing after being rested against Brighton.